A 75-year-old woman was found dead early Saturday morning following a devastating house fire in Readfield that left her husband seriously injured and forced neighbors to assist in his escape.
The Readfield Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire at 421 Plains Road in Readfield on Friday, April 3, 2026, at approximately 9:51 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence heavily involved in flames.
Neighbors at the scene were assisting 74-year-old Jerrold Wentworth, who had escaped from a second-floor window as the fire spread through the home. Wentworth informed firefighters that his wife, 75-year-old Carolyn Wentworth, remained inside the residence on the second floor.
Due to the intensity of the fire and dangerous conditions inside the home, firefighters were unable to enter the building to attempt a rescue.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal was notified and responded to the scene with a team of investigators. After an extended overnight search of the debris, investigators located a deceased victim at approximately 1:45 a.m. Saturday in the area where Carolyn Wentworth had reportedly been sleeping.
The victim’s body was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for positive identification and to determine the official cause of death.
Jerrold Wentworth was transported to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, where he remains in serious condition.
Fire investigators returned to the scene later Saturday to continue examining the property and interviewing neighbors as they work to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
